Data Collection: More Information = A More Efficient Supply Chain
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Supply Chain Execution Systems & Technologies (SCE) Industry Group of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) has released it's Fall 2011 Quarterly Report titled Data Collection: More Information = A More Efficient Supply Chain. The report asserts that the flow of goods in today’s manufacturing and distribution facilities is paralleled by a virtual flow of information about those goods—and the amount of available information directly affects how efficiently the goods are handled.
“Software systems managing the movement of goods in the supply chain receive data from several sources,” explains Quantronix’s Clark Skeen, vice chairman of the Supply Chain Execution Systems & Technologies Industry Group of MHIA.
To this primary data, companies can add secondary data elements that are collected within their facilities using automatic data capture (ADC) technology. Bar code scanners, radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, voice systems, and the like provide real-time information about the location of goods in the facility. Weighing and dimensioning systems provide detailed information about the goods’ physical attributes. “This secondary data,” says Skeen, “makes operations more economical and productive.”
The tools for capturing this data have existed for decades and over time have become more reliable and more affordable. “So you’ve got tools that work well and are cost effective,” says Sapient Automation’s Ed Romaine, chair of the Supply Chain Execution Systems & Technologies Industry Group. “And that’s allowing you to collect more data at more points across the supply chain.”
Many small and mid-sized companies have yet to take advantage of the sophisticated supply chain software now available to improve their operations. In preparation for the new post-recession reality, MHIA is releasing a series of quarterly reports, like this one, that will help them focus their efforts.
View the complete report —Data Collection: More Information = A More Efficient Supply Chain.
Quarterly Reports are an information source from several Industry Groups of MHIA. Each report focuses on trends in the use of material handling and logistics equipment, such as guided vehicles or automated storage, to solve challenges in the plant and warehouse ranging from ROI to sustainability to productivity in the new economy.
Members of MHIA Industry Groups supply material handling and logistics equipment and systems. These industry experts evaluate operational challenges and solve them efficiently and cost effectively. They are authoritative sources for solutions to challenges that end users face on a daily basis.
SCE is an Industry Group of MHIA. SCE members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of supply chain execution software, hardware, services and related technologies. They supply solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector.
MHIA is an international trade association that has represented this industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its Industry Group. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat 2013 and MODEX 2012 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.
Contact: For more information on MHIA activities and programming contact Carol Miller at 704-676-1190/800-345-1815.
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